Case and mount system for handheld electronic device

ABSTRACT

A protective case and mounting system for a handheld electronic device is provided. The protective case can include a removable mounting system comprised of an interlocking member and a plurality of mounting bases. The protective case may further include a non-slip member to prevent the device from slipping on a surface and a magnet for attaching the device to a magnetic surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/260,817, entitled “CASE AND MOUNT SYSTEM FOR HANDHELDELECTRONIC DEVICE,” filed Apr. 24, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/593,220, filed Aug. 23, 2012, whichissued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,151, entitled “CASE AND MOUNT SYSTEM FORHANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” issued Apr. 29, 2014, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/585,933, entitled“PHONE CASE AND MOUNT SYSTEM,” filed Jan. 12, 2012, and 61/653,618,entitled “CASE MOUNT SYSTEM FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” filed May31, 2012. This application further claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Nos. 61/823,803, entitled “MOUNTING SYSTEM FORHANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” filed May 15, 2013, 61/823,752, entitled“CASE, MOUNT SYSTEM, AND KICKSTAND FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE,”filed May 15, 2013, 61/823,807, entitled “MOUNT SYSTEM AND CASE WITHREMOVABLE BUMPER FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” filed May 15, 2013,and 61/860,212, entitled “MOUNTS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE CASE OR THELIKE,” filed Jul. 30, 2013.

This application hereby incorporates by reference the above-identifiedapplications in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to protective cases for handheldelectronic devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Handheld and/or portable electronic devices (e.g., digital mediaplayers, phones, smartphones, tablet computers, handheld readers, andsimilar devices) are becoming important and common tools. These toolsare constantly in use, both at home and on the go.

However, with this frequency and variety of use comes the problem ofproper protection. Without proper protection, a device may becomedamaged due to being dropped or by falling from an unsecured position.This damage may be permanent and cause loss of data or information andhigh replacement costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In at least one embodiment, the present application relates to aprotective system for a handheld electronic device that overcomes theshortcomings of the prior art noted above.

In some embodiments, a protective system for a handheld electronicdevice is disclosed. The protection system comprises a shell comprisedof a rear wall, a plurality of wall surfaces arranged to enclose aplurality of peripheral edges of a handheld electronic device, and anouter surface. The rear wall further defines an attachment regiondesigned to receive an interlocking member and a non-slip regiondesigned to receive a non-slip member. The attachment region comprises afirst open space, an inner interlocking surface and an outerinterlocking surface, both the interlocking surfaces surrounding thefirst open space, the inner interlocking surface being located above theplane of the outer surface of the rear wall and wherein the inner andouter interlocking surfaces are radially offset to provide aninterlocking area. The interlocking member comprises a plate having aplurality of engaging members generally located at right angles, theengaging members being configured to interact with the inner and outerinterlocking surfaces such that in an interlocked position each of theengaging members is disposed within the interlocking area. Theinterlocking member further comprises at least one mounting base. Thenon-slip region comprises a second open space and a recessed surfaceformed by the disposition of a small diameter opening within a largerdiameter opening. The non-slip member comprises a non-slip materialshaped to fit within the second open space, the non-slip member having acircumferential groove dividing the non-slip member into a grippingsurface and an interior surface, the interior surface having a greaterdiameter than the gripping surface, the groove in the non-slip memberengaging with the recessed surface to attach the non-slip member to theshell. The non-slip member further comprises an indentation on theinterior surface designed to incorporate a magnet.

1. An embodiment involves a protection system for a handheld electronicdevice, including a shell comprising a rear wall and a side wallextending from the rear wall, wherein, in use, the side wall encloses aplurality of peripheral edges of an associated handheld electronicdevice. The rear wall further comprises an inner surface and an outersurface. The rear wall defines an attachment region designed to receivean interlocking member and a non-slip region designed to receive anon-slip member. The attachment region comprises a first open space, afirst interlocking surface and a second interlocking surface. Both ofthe first and second interlocking surfaces surrounding at least aportion of the first open space. The first and second interlockingsurfaces are located behind the inner surface of the rear wall with thefirst interlocking surface being located substantially in a first planeand the second interlocking surface having at least a portion thatextends substantially perpendicular to the first plane. The firstinterlocking surface is circumferentially offset from at least a portionof the second interlocking surface to provide an interlocking area. Theinterlocking member comprises a plate portion having at least oneengagement member that, in use, is passed through the first open spaceand disposed within the interlocking area to achieve an interlockedposition between the interlocking member and the shell. The interlockingmember further comprises at least one mounting base. The non-slip regioncomprises a second open space and a recessed surface formed by thedisposition of a smaller opening within a larger opening. The non-slipmember comprises a non-slip material shaped to fit within the secondopen space. The non-slip member has a peripheral groove that, in use,engages the recessed surface to attach the non-slip member to the shell.The non-slip member further comprises an indentation within an interiorsurface that, in use, faces the associated handheld electronic device. Amagnet is received within the indentation of the non-slip member.

2. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the shell further comprises atleast one access opening that allows access to control features of thehandheld electronic device.

3. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the non-slip member is disposedoutwardly of the outermost portion of the outer surface of the rear wallof the shell.

4. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the mounting base furthercomprises an adhesive layer that, in use, attaches to a mounting surfacevia adhesion.

5. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the interlocked position isachieved by rotation of the interlocking member within the attachmentregion.

6. An embodiment involves a protection system for a handheld electronicdevice, including a shell comprising a rear wall and a side wallextending from the rear wall, wherein, in use, the side wall encloses aplurality of peripheral edges of an associated handheld electronicdevice. The rear wall further comprises an inner surface and an outersurface. The rear wall defines an attachment region designed to receivean interlocking member and a non-slip region designed to receive anon-slip member. The attachment region comprises a first open space anda plurality of interlocking surface portions, and each of theinterlocking surface portions including a retaining surface and a stopsurface that cooperate to provide an interlocking area. The interlockingmember comprises a plurality of engaging members, each of which areconfigured to interact with one of the plurality of interlocking surfaceportions such that, in an interlocked position, each of the plurality ofengaging members is disposed within one of the plurality of interlockingareas. The non-slip region comprises a second open space and a recessedsurface formed by the disposition of a smaller opening within a largeropening. The non-slip member comprises a non-slip material shaped to fitwithin the second open space, the non-slip member having a peripheralgroove that, in use, engages the recessed surface to attach the non-slipmember to the shell.

7. The system of paragraph 6, wherein the shell further comprises atleast one access opening that allows access to control features of ahandheld electronic device.

8. The system of paragraph 6, further comprising a magnet disposedwithin the non-slip member.

9. The system of paragraph 6, further comprising at least one mountingbase attached to the interlocking member.

10. The system of paragraph 9, wherein the mounting base comprises anadhesive layer that allows the mounting base to be affixed to a surfacethrough adhesion.

11. An embodiment involves a protection system for a handheld electronicdevice, which includes a shell comprising a rear wall and a side wallextending in a first direction from the rear wall, wherein, in use, theside wall encloses a plurality of peripheral edges of an associatedhandheld electronic device. The rear wall comprises a first surfacefacing in the first direction and a second surface facing in a seconddirection opposite the first direction. The rear wall comprises anopening extending through the second surface. The opening defines atleast one shell interlock surface. The system also includes a mounthaving at least one mount interlock surface, wherein, in use, a portionof the mount is passed through the opening of the shell and the at leastone shell interlock surface is engaged with the at least one mountinterlock surface to selectively couple the shell to the mount.

12. The protection system of paragraph Error! Reference source notfound, wherein the mount comprises an adhesive layer that permits themount to be secured to a surface via adhesion.

13. The protection system of paragraph Error! Reference source notfound, wherein the mount is a bike mount that, in use, is mounted to acomponent of a bicycle.

14. The protection system of paragraph Error! Reference source notfound, wherein the bike mount comprises a cap portion that, in use, issecured to a steerer tube of the bicycle.

15. The protection system of paragraph Error! Reference source notfound, further comprising an arm portion that extends between the capportion and the at least one mount interlock surface, wherein the armportion is rotatably adjustable relative to the cap portion.

16. A mounting system for a handheld electronic device includes alocking member defining an attachment region designed to receive aninterlocking member. The attachment region includes a first open space,a first interlocking surface and a second interlocking surface, both ofthe first and second interlocking surfaces surrounding at least aportion of the first open space, the first and second interlockingsurfaces being located behind the inner surface of the rear wall, thefirst interlocking surface being located substantially in a first planeand the second interlocking surface having at least a portion thatextends substantially perpendicular to the first plane, and wherein thefirst interlocking surface is circumferentially offset from at least aportion of the second interlocking surface to provide an interlockingarea. The interlocking member includes a plate portion having at leastone engagement member that, in use, is passed through the first openspace and disposed within the interlocking area to achieve aninterlocked position between the interlocking member and locking member.The interlocking member further includes at least one mounting base.

17. The system of paragraph 16, wherein the interlocked position isachieved by rotation of the interlocking member within the attachmentregion.

18. The system of paragraph 16, wherein the interlocking member furthercomprises an arm portion that extends from the interlocking surfaces.

19. The system of paragraph 18, wherein the arm portion permits thehandheld electronic device to be secured to a tripod.

20. A protection system for a handheld electronic device includes ashell comprising a rear wall and a side wall extending from the rearwall, wherein, in use, the side wall encloses a plurality of peripheraledges of an associated handheld electronic device. The rear wall furthercomprises an inner surface and an outer surface, the rear wall definingan attachment region designed to receive an interlocking member and atleast one non-slip region designed to receive at least one non-slipmember. The attachment region comprises a first open space and aplurality of interlocking surface portions, each of the interlockingsurface portions including a retaining surface and a stop surface thatcooperate to provide an interlocking area. The interlocking membercomprises a plurality of engaging members, each of the engaging membersbeing configured to interact with one of the plurality of interlockingsurface portions such that, in an interlocked position, each of theplurality of engaging members is disposed within one of the plurality ofinterlocking areas. The at least one non-slip region comprises a secondopen space and a recessed surface formed by the disposition of a smalleropening within a larger opening. The non-slip region comprises at leastone non-slip material shaped to fit within the second open space, thenon-slip member having a peripheral groove that, in use, engages therecessed surface to attach the non-slip member to the shell. Thenon-slip member further comprises an indentation within an interiorsurface that, in use, faces the associated handheld electronic deviceand a magnet received within the indentation of the non-slip member.

21. The system of paragraph 20, wherein the shell further comprises atleast one access opening that allows access to control features of thehandheld electronic device.

22. The system of paragraph 20, wherein the non-slip member is disposedoutwardly of the outermost portion of the outer surface of the rear wallof the shell.

23. The system of paragraph 20 further comprising a rubber bumper memberconfigured to surround the plurality of peripheral edges of theelectronic device.

24. The system of paragraph 20, wherein the interlocked position isachieved by rotation of the interlocking member within the attachmentregion.

25. The system of paragraph 20, wherein the interlocking member furthercomprises an elongated arm portion that extends from the interlockingsurfaces.

26. The system of paragraph 25, wherein the elongated arm portionpermits the handheld electronic device to be displayed in both portraitand landscape positions and at different angles of inclination.

27. The system of paragraph 20, wherein the rear wall further comprisestwo or more non-slip regions designed to each receive a non-slip memberand a magnet received within an indentation of each non-slip member.

28. The system of paragraph 27, wherein two or more magnets are receivedwithin a magnet connection member such that the magnets are receivedwithin the indentations of proximal non-slip members.

29. A protection system for a handheld electronic device includes ashell comprising a rear wall and a side wall extending from the rearwall, wherein, in use, the side wall encloses a plurality of peripheraledges of an associated handheld electronic device and an elongated,hinged arm that extends from the shell, wherein the elongated armportion permits the handheld electronic device to be displayed in bothportrait and landscape orientations and, in each orientation, in atleast two different angles of inclination via manipulation of portionsof the hinged arm into different relative positions.

30. The system of paragraph 29, wherein the hinged arm permits displayof the electronic device in three different angles of inclination inboth the portrait and landscape orientations.

31. A mounting system for a handheld electronic device includes amounting member defining a lock arrangement and a strap portion. Thelock arrangement comprises a lock arm that extends away from a mainportion of the mounting member, the lock arm comprising a projectionthat engages an attachment region of a case shell of an electronicdevice. The strap portion comprises a first section comprising anopening to accommodate a second section of the strap portion such thatthe strap portion is adjustable in circumference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will now be described in connection with a preferredembodiment of the present invention, in reference to the accompanyingdrawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples andare not intended to limit the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of protectivesystem for a handheld electronic device according to a preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the interior rear surface of a shell of theprotective system;

FIG. 3 is a view of the exterior rear surface of a shell of theprotective system;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shell of the protective system;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower shell of the protective system;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a shell of the protective system anda mounting member;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a shell of the protective system anda non-slip member;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a non-slip member;

FIG. 8B is a second perspective view of a non-slip member;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of a non-slipmember containing a rare-earth magnet and a magnet cover piece;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a first side of an interlocking member;

FIG. 9B is a second perspective view of a second side of theinterlocking member;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a mounting base;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembled mounting member.

FIG. 11 is perspective view of the protective system secured to abicycle mount;

FIG. 12A illustrates a rear perspective view of an exploded mountingassembly for an electronic device or accessory configured with a lockingmember and a mounting member according to a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 12B illustrates a rear view of the accessory configured with alocking member;

FIG. 12C illustrates a top view of the accessory configured with alocking member;

FIG. 12D illustrates a view of the interior of the locking member shownin FIGS. 12A and B;

FIG. 13A illustrates a front view of a second mounting member accordingto a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13B illustrates a side view of the mounting member shown in FIG.13A;

FIG. 13C illustrates a front perspective view of the mounting membershown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A illustrates a rear view of a protective case system for anelectronic device, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14B illustrates a rear perspective view of the protective casesystem for an electronic device shown in FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15A illustrates a rear perspective view of an exploded assembly fora second embodiment of a protective case and mount system for anelectronic device;

FIG. 15B illustrates a side view of the protective case and mount systemfor an electronic device shown in FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16A illustrates the protective case of FIG. 14A configured with astowable display member shown in the stowed position;

FIG. 16B illustrates a side perspective view of the protective case ofFIG. 16A with the display member configured to display the electronicdevice in portrait mode;

FIG. 16C illustrates a side perspective view of the protective case ofFIG. 16A with the display member configured to display the electronicdevice in landscape mode;

FIG. 16D illustrates a side perspective view of the protective case ofFIG. 16A with the display member in a second configuration to displaythe electronic device in portrait mode;

FIG. 16E illustrates a side perspective view of the protective case ofFIG. 16A with the display member in a second configuration to displaythe electronic device in landscape mode;

FIG. 16F illustrates a side perspective view of the protective case ofFIG. 16A with the display member in a third configuration to display theelectronic device in a portrait typing position;

FIG. 16G illustrates a side perspective view of the protective case ofFIG. 16A with the display member in a third configuration to display theelectronic device in a landscape typing position;

FIG. 17A illustrates a front or outward facing view of anon-interlocking side of an elongated support member;

FIG. 17B illustrates a rear or inward facing view of a non-interlockingside of an elongated support member;

FIG. 18A shows one side of a magnet connecting member for use with theprotection system shown in FIGS. 14A and B;

FIG. 18B shows the opposite side of a magnet connecting member for usewith the protection system shown in FIGS. 14A and B;

FIG. 19A shows one side of a magnet connecting member for use with theprotection system shown in FIGS. 15A and B;

FIG. 19B shows the opposite side of a magnet connecting member for usewith the protection system shown in FIGS. 15A and B;

FIG. 20A illustrates a rear view of a second embodiment of a protectionsystem for a handheld electronic device;

FIG. 20B illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of the protectionsystem shown in FIG. 20A that incorporates an elastomer or rubberbumper;

FIG. 20C is a perspective view of the protection system of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 20D is a side view of the protection system of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 21A illustrates a front perspective view of a mount for anelectronic device configured with a locking member;

FIG. 21B illustrates a side view of the mount shown in FIG. 21A;

FIG. 21C illustrates another side view of the mount shown in FIG. 21A;

FIG. 21D illustrates an underside view of the mount shown in FIG. 21A;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mount for anelectronic device configured to attach to a fork of a bicycle ormotorcycle;

FIG. 23 is a view of the mount shown in FIG. 22 attached to a front forkof a motorcycle;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a mount for anelectronic device configured to attach to a tube, such as a tube for abicycle;

FIG. 25 is a view of the interior rear surface of a shell of anotherembodiment of a protective system for a handheld electronic device;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an interchangeable insert for use witha protective system such as that shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is an exploded rear view of another embodiment of a protectivesystem for a handheld electronic device;

FIG. 28A is an exterior rear view of another embodiment of aninterchangeable insert having an attachment region for use with aprotective system such as the protective system shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 28B is an exterior rear view of another embodiment of aninterchangeable insert configured to attach with the insert shown inFIG. 28A for use with a protective system such as the protective systemshown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 is a view of the interior rear surface of the interchangeableinsert shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of aninterchangeable insert for use with a protective system such as theprotective system shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 31 is a rear view of another embodiment of an interchangeableinsert for use with a protective system such as the protective systemshown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 32 is an exploded rear view of the interchangeable inserts shown inFIGS. 30 and 31 that may be used together with a protective system for ahandheld electronic device, such as the protective system shown in FIG.25; and

FIG. 33 is an exploded rear view of the interchangeable inserts shown inFIGS. 29 and 31 that may be used with the protective system shown inFIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is directed to certain specificembodiments of the invention. However, the invention may be embodied ina multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims.

Embodiments of the invention can provide the features of a protectionsystem for a portable or handheld electronic device (hereinafter“handheld electronic device”). Some embodiments of the inventiondesirably may incorporate an attachment region for attaching a removablemounting member preferably able to support the handheld electronicdevice within the protection system and affix to a variety of surfaces.Other embodiments of the invention may also incorporate an anti-slipsurface wherein a magnet is disposed for attachment of the device tomagnetic surfaces and slip prevention.

Shell and Mount System

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a shell forrigidly securing and protecting a handheld electronic device. In apreferred embodiment, the shell may be in multiple pieces for ease ofassembly around a handheld electronic device. The upper piece of theshell preferably provides an attachment region for a removable mountingmember that can attach to various solid surfaces, such as but notlimited to a desk, vehicle dashboard, mirror, etc. The shell preferablyalso incorporates an anti-slip insert in which a magnet is disposed,allowing for magnetic adherence to surfaces without interfering with theanti-slip benefit provided by the anti-slip insert. The shell preferablyis formed using a material that is generally rigid and lightweight, suchas but not limited to an injection molded polycarbonate or othersuitable plastic material(s). Preferably, the shell comprises rigidsidewalls that surround an entirety or portions of the peripheral edgesof the device. The sidewalls preferably are arranged to protect thedevice by absorbing incidental shock forces and/or inhibiting orpreventing direct contact between the device and another object. Thesidewalls also desirably contain various openings to allow access to thecontrol buttons, inputs, and outputs of the handheld electronic device.The rear surface of the shell is preferably further designed withvarious openings to allow additional access to features of the handheldelectronic device that may be located on the rear of the device (such asa camera) or to reduce the weight of the shell.

FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment having certain features, aspectsand advantages of the present invention. In FIG. 1, protection system100 may include more, fewer or different components than those shown.Protection system 100 includes a body or shell that, in the illustratedarrangement, is comprised of an upper shell piece 102 and lower shellpiece 104. Protection system 100 is shown in two pieces to facilitateinstallation of the protection system 100 on a handheld electronicdevice. Lower shell piece 104 is designed, in one embodiment, to fittogether with upper shell piece 102 preferably using an interlocking ortab/slot attachment. However, in other arrangements, the upper shellpiece 102 and lower shell piece 104 could be secured together with otherarrangements (e.g., mechanical fasteners, such as screws) or could beportions of a unitary or single-piece shell in which installation of theelectronic device is accomplished through another method, such as bydeformation of the side walls or other portions of the shell to passover the electronic device. Thus, references to the upper shell piece102 or lower shell piece 104 herein are also intended to refer to theentire shell of an integrated or unitary shell arrangement.

Upper shell piece 102 preferably includes an attachment region 106 forattaching mounting member 108. The attachment region 106 contains anengagement structure that allows the upper shell piece 102 and, thus,the protection system 100 to be releasably attached the mounting member108. A preferred engagement structure is described in greater detailbelow. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 9A-C, mounting member 108 may becomprised of an interlocking member 902 and at least one mounting base904. As described further below and shown in FIG. 6, the mounting member108 can also include one or more optional spacers, which could besimilar or identical to the mounting base 904. Upper shell piece 102also preferably includes a non-slip region 110, which includes anon-slip arrangement that enhances frictional engagement of protectionsystem 100 with a surface on which the protection system 100 may beplaced. In the illustrated arrangement, the non-slip region 110incorporates an opening or cavity in the protection system 100 (e.g.,the upper shell piece 102) into which non-slip member 112 may beinserted. As depicted more clearly in FIG. 8C, non-slip member 112 mayalso preferably comprise a rare earth magnet 802 in order to removablyattach the handheld electronic device contained within protection system100 to a magnetic surface.

FIG. 1 further depicts a preferred embodiment of the invention furthercomprising a lanyard 140, which may attach to protection system 100 tofacilitate easy carrying and transport of a handheld electronic device.For example, the lanyard 140 can be looped through openings 142 and 144on the upper shell piece 102 and lower shell piece 104, respectively.Additional accessories, not shown in FIG. 1, may be used with protectionsystem 100. For example, one accessory that may be used with protectionsystem 100 includes a bike mount, one embodiment of which is shown inFIG. 11. Another accessory that may be used with protection system 100includes a tripod (not shown), which can support the protection system100 and associated electronic device in a suitable position (e.g.,portrait or landscape) preferably at an elevated position relative to asurface on which the tripod rest to take photographs or video. Theaccessory can be coupled to the protection system 100 via aninterlocking arrangement the same as or similar to the mounting member108 or via other suitable arrangements, such as the same as or similarto the lanyard 140 arrangement. In addition to the lanyard 140, bikemount and tripod, other types of accessories can also be provided, suchas adjustable or non-adjustable stands, mounting or securing cliparrangements, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the assembled upper shell piece 102 and lowershell piece 104 of the protection system 100 together define an interiorregion or space in which a handheld electronic device may be enclosed.Each of the upper shell piece 102 and the lower shell piece 104 has arear wall portion 200 that defines an interior rear surface 202positioned adjacent the back surface of an electronic device placed inthe protection system 100. The upper shell piece 102 and the lower shellpiece 104 also include at least one or a plurality of enclosing edges tosurround the sides of a handheld electronic device and provideprotection for the handheld electronic device. In the illustratedarrangement, the enclosing edges are defined by a sidewall portion 150that extends from the rear wall portion 200. The illustrated sidewallportion 150 extends along an entire periphery of the rear wall portion200. As described above, however, the sidewall portion 150 is notnecessarily solid or continuous, but can include one or more openingsconfigured to allow access to controls or other components or featuresof the handheld electronic device, or simply to reduce weight. Inalternative arrangements, the sidewall portion 150 can be constructed ofone or several distinct sidewall portions, such as four corner portions,for example. A forward wall portion is spaced from the rear wall portion200 by the sidewall portion 150. The forward wall portion defines aforward interior surface that is positioned adjacent a forward surfaceof the handheld electronic device placed in the protection system 100.In the illustrated arrangement, the forward wall portion is defined by alip 152 that extends in an inward direction from the sidewall portion150. Preferably, the lip 152 extends around the entire periphery of therear wall portion 200. However, in other arrangements, the lip 152 canextend only around a portion of the periphery, which can be the sameportion or a different portion than the portion surrounded by thesidewall portion 150. As discussed above, the upper shell piece 102 andlower shell piece 104 can be unitarily-formed. Accordingly, the sidewallportion 150 and/or lip 152 could be unitary, as well.

As more clearly illustrated in FIG. 2, upper shell piece 102 alsopreferably includes an attachment region 106. The illustrated attachmentregion 106 defines an opening 160 in the interior rear surface 202 ofupper shell piece 102. As described above, attachment region 106 isconfigured to allow attachment of mounting member 108 through aninterlocking attachment that selectively secures the shell 102 to themounting member 108 an inhibits or prevents removal in at least onedirection. As pictured, attachment region 106 comprises at least one tab162, each of which preferably defines two interlocking surfaces, 116 and126. In the illustrated arrangement, the attachment region 106 includesfour tabs 162; however, other numbers of tabs 162 could also beprovided, such as two, three, five, six or more tabs 162. Interlockingsurface 116 is disposed towards the interior rear surface 202 of uppershell piece 102, while interlocking surface 126 is disposed within adifferent plane than that defined by interlocking surface 116.Preferably, the interlocking surface 116 is perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular to the interlocking surface 126. Preferably,the interlocking surface 116 is perpendicular or substantiallyperpendicular to the interior rear surface 202. The plane ofinterlocking surface 126 preferably is offset or disposed “below” theplane defined by the interior rear surface 202 or towards the outer rearsurface of upper shell piece 102. In addition, preferably, theinterlocking surface 116 is offset from at least a portion of theinterlocking surface 126 in a circumferential direction to provide aspace 164 in which a portion (e.g., tab 912) of the interlocking member902 may be inserted. The opening 160 preferably also includes at leastone access space 166 located beside or circumferentially offset from theat least one tab 162. Preferably, the number of access spaces 166corresponds to the number of tabs 162. In the illustrated arrangement,four access spaces 166 are provided; however, the number of accessspaces 166 can vary in the same manner as the number of tabs 162. Eachof the tabs 912 of the interlocking member 902 can be inserted throughone of the access spaces 166 and then turned to enter the space 164 andrest against the interlocking surfaces 116 and 126 to form an attachmentwith upper shell piece 102. Preferably, the access opening 166 islocated on an opposite side of the interlocking surface 126 from theinterlocking surface 116. In the illustrated arrangement, acircumferential dimension of the access opening 166 is smaller than acircumferential dimension of the tab 162 and can be approximatelyone-half of the circumferential dimension of the tab 162. Thecircumferential dimension of the space 164 is less than thecircumferential dimension of the tab 162 and can be approximatelyone-half of the circumferential dimension of the tab 162. In theillustrated arrangement, the interlocking surface 116 is defined by arib 168 that extends at least partially, and preferably entirely, aroundthe opening 160. Preferably, the opening 160 passes completely throughthe upper shell piece 102 such that the surface of the associatedelectronic device is exposed through the opening 160. Such anarrangement advantageously minimizes the overall thickness of theprotection system 100, while still providing the desired interlockingmount functionality. In an alternative arrangement, however, a rear wallportion can be provided to define a closed internal end of the opening160, such that the rear wall portion is positioned in between theinterlocking mount and the associated electronic device. Such anarrangement may increase the overall thickness of the protection system100, but can also provide increased protection to the associatedelectronic device.

The interior rear surface 202 preferably also includes a non-slip region110 within which a non-slip arrangement can be provided. For example, anon-slip member 112 may be inserted within the non-slip region 110 ofthe protective device 100. As shown, non-slip region 110 is comprised ofa smaller opening 120 disposed within a larger opening 130. In theillustrated arrangement, the smaller opening 120 extends completelythrough the rear wall portion 200 and the larger opening 130 extendspartially through the rear wall portion 200 from the interior rearsurface 202. The recessed surface formed by the disposition of smalleropening 120 within larger opening 130 forms an interference surface toretain non-slip member 112 within the non-slip region 110. FIG. 2 showsone orientation of attachment region 106 and non-slip region 110, thoughother embodiments may include different orientations. A number ofadditional open spaces (generally 170) may be provided in the interiorrear surface 202 of upper shell piece 102 for any of a number ofreasons, including providing access to rear-mounted features of ahandheld electronic device such as a camera, microphone, or speaker, orto reduce the weight of the protection system 100. Upper shell piece 102may further comprise one or more of recesses 204 configured toaccommodate one or more tabs 206 to facilitate attachment and retentionof lower shell piece 104 to upper shell piece 102 to provide furtherprotection for a handheld electronic device. In the illustratedarrangement, a pair of recesses 204 are located on the rear wall portion200 of the upper shell piece 102 and a pair of tabs 206 are located onthe rear wall portion 200 of the lower shell piece 104. However, inother arrangements, the recesses 204 and tabs 206 could be locatedelsewhere (e.g., sidewall 150 or front wall/lip 152) and/or could beprovided in different numbers. In addition, the arrangement could bereversed such that the tabs 206 are provided on the upper shell piece102 and the recesses 204 are provided on the lower shell piece 104.

One embodiment of the exterior rear surface 302 of upper shell piece 102is pictured in FIG. 3. The attachment region 106 as viewed from the rearof upper shell piece 102 is preferably disposed above or outwardly ofthe plane defined by at least a portion of the exterior rear surface302, which can be a peripheral portion. In a preferred embodiment, theattachment region 106 has an opening 160 defined by a plurality ofequally spaced radial lobes or tabs 162 designed to correspond with thetabs 912 of an interlocking member 902, more clearly viewed in FIGS. 9Aand 9B. Mounting member 108 attaches to the exterior rear surface 302side of the rear wall portion 200 of the upper shell piece 102 ofprotection system 100 preferably via an interlocking attachment. Onceinserted, the tabs 912 of the interlocking member 902 may then rotateuntil further rotation is prevented by the interlocking surface 116, asseen in FIG. 2. After rotation, the tabs of interlocking member 902 willpreferably be located adjacent to the interior side of interlockingsurface 126 and against the edge of interlocking surface 116, forming aninterlocking connection which preferably attaches mounting member 108 tothe upper shell piece 102 of protection system 100.

Preferably, non-slip region 110 will also be disposed above the planedefined by exterior rear surface 302, as seen in FIG. 3. In theillustrated arrangement, when inserted, the non-slip member 112 willprotrude outwardly as far as or further than any other rearward surfaceportion of the protection system 100 such that the non-slip member 112will contact a surface upon which the protection system 100 is placed(assuming the surface is relatively flat or otherwise appropriatelyshaped) to accomplish a non-slip function. Therefore, when non-slipmember 112 is disposed within non-slip region 110, the non-slip surfacewill extend beyond at least the plane of exterior rear surface 302 togrip a surface and provide a non-slip feature.

A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of upper shell piece 102 ispictured in FIG. 4. In this view, the different surfaces of attachmentregion 106 are more clearly visible. As described above with respect toFIG. 2, interlocking surface 116 is disposed towards the interior rearsurface 202 of upper shell piece 102 relative to the interlockingsurface 126, while interlocking surface 126 is disposed “below” theplane defined by interlocking surface 116, or towards the outer rearsurface of upper shell piece 102. As is more clearly seen in FIG. 4, theinterlocking surface 116 is circumferentially offset from the accessopening 166 to provide the space 164 in which an interlocking member 902may be inserted and then turned to form an attachment with upper shellpiece 102. The rotation of the interlocking member 902 within attachmentregion 106 forms an interlocking connection with the upper shell piece102. This interlocking connection is defined by the tabs 912 of theinterlocking member 902 passing without obstruction into the definedareas (e.g., access openings 166) of attachment region 106 and thenrotating against the interior surface of interlocking surface 126 untilthe tabs of interlocking member 902 are prevented from further rotationby encountering the interlocking surface 116. After rotation, theinterior-facing surfaces of the interlocking member 902 and theinterlocking surface 116 preferably will be substantially within thesame plane.

FIG. 4 also more clearly depicts a preferred embodiment of the non-slipregion 110 and openings 120 and 130. The smaller opening 120 is disposedwithin the larger opening 130. A small lip or ridge 180 is formed by theoverlap of the two openings because the larger opening 130 is disposedtowards the interior rear surface 202 of upper shell piece 102.Preferably, this lip or ridge 180 is disposed beneath the plane of theinterior rear surface 202. The flexible non-slip member 112, such asthat described in greater detail below with regard to FIGS. 8A-C, may bedisposed within the non-slip region 110. An interior portion of thenon-slip member 112 preferably has a greater diameter than the smalleropening 120 but also has a diameter sized to fit within larger opening130. When inserted into the non-slip region 110, the larger diameter ofthe interior surface prevents the non-slip member 112 from falling outof the non-slip region 110. The smaller diameter of opening 120 willsubstantially prevent the non-slip member 112 from falling out of thenon-slip region 110. The opening 120 defined by the non-slip region 110will therefore allow a portion of the non-slip member 112 to contact asurface. The inclusion of the non-slip member 112 into protection system100 provides non-slip properties and benefits to the protection system100, such as preventing a handheld electronic device within theprotection system from sliding off a smooth surface such as a desk orcounter. The non-slip member 112 can include a peripheral recess 182that is configured to receive the lip 180 to more securely hold thenon-slip member 112 within the opening 120.

Lower shell piece 104 is shown in FIG. 5. In a preferred embodiment,lower shell piece 104 comprises an interior surface and side surfacesthat surround the lower sides of a handheld electronic device to provideadditional protection. Lower shell piece 104 preferably joins with uppershell piece 102 to provide protection around the sides and back of ahandheld electronic device. The lower shell piece 104 can contain one ormore openings to allow access to controls and ports on the handheldelectronic device, such as a headphone jack or microphone jack.Furthermore, lower shell piece 104 also preferably contains an opening190 to allow access to the charging area and/or microphone and speakerson the handheld electronic device such that the handheld electronicdevice does not need to be removed from protection system 102 in orderto charge the device. FIG. 5 depicts only a preferred embodiment of theinvention and other openings not shown may be included.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of upper shell piece 102 and mountingmember 108. In this figure, mounting member 108 is affixed to uppershell piece 102 in a preferred embodiment. As shown in this figure, themounting member 108 is affixed to the rear surface of upper shell piece102 within attachment region 106. Mounting member 108 extends out fromthe rear surface 302 of upper shell piece 102 such that protectionsystem 100 may be mounted on a solid surface without being flush againstthe solid surface. The mounting member 108 depicted in the preferredembodiment is composed of two mounting pieces (e.g., mounting bases 904)joined together, along with an interlocking member 902. Mounting member108 may be composed of greater or fewer mounting pieces joined together,depending on how far a user desires to mount the handheld electronicdevice from a solid surface. The interlocking member 902 of the mountingmember 108 is joined to the interlocking member 902 preferably via ascrew 906, but other forms of attachment may be used. The mounting bases904 can be joined together by any suitable arrangement (e.g., snap-fitor mechanical fasteners) or the screw 906 could also hold the mountingbases 904 together in addition to securing the interlocking member 902to the mounting base(s). If desired, an optional adhesive layer 908 canbe provided on the rearward surface of the mounting member 108 to allowthe mounting member. 108 to be adhesively coupled to a desired surface.

A cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of protection system100 containing non-slip member 112 is shown in FIG. 7. In the preferredembodiment shown, the non-slip surface of non-slip member 112 extends ina rearward direction at least as far and, preferably, beyond any otherportion of exterior rear surface 302 of upper shell piece 102 (and lowershell piece 104) in order to provide a gripping surface to prevent ahandheld electronic device from slipping on a solid surface. Thenon-slip member 112 also preferably contains a magnetic member, such asa rare-earth magnet 802, as further described below in regards to FIG.8C. The magnet 802 is positioned or embedded within non-slip member 112in order to provide a means of attaching protection system 100 to amagnetic surface without impacting the non-slip benefits provided bynon-slip member 112 or scratching the surface.

One preferred embodiment of a non-slip member 112 is shown in FIGS. 8A,8B, and 8C. The non-slip member 112 is composed of a gripping outersurface shown in FIG. 8B and an interior-facing surface, as shown inFIG. 8A. This figure depicts a generally round or cylindricalindentation 192 into which a rare-earth magnet or other magneticmaterial may be placed without interfering with the non-slip benefitsprovided by non-slip member 112.

FIG. 8B depicts the exterior-facing surface of non-slip member 112. Thisfigure more clearly illustrates the larger diameter of theinterior-facing surface of non-slip member 112 versus theexterior-facing surface. These surfaces are separated by the groove orrecess 182, which interacts with the smaller opening 120 in upper shellpiece 102, as discussed above with regard to FIG. 4. As discussed above,the larger diameter of the interior surface prevents the non-slip member112 from falling out of the non-slip region 110 because of interferencebetween the larger diameter of the interior surface of non-slip member112 and the smaller diameter of opening 120. The exterior surface ofnon-slip member 112 preferably has a ridged or roughened surfacefeatures in order to provide a better gripping surface and prevent theprotection system from slipping on a solid surface. The exterior surfacemay also comprise different logos or other surface textures as desired.

The inclusion of rare-earth magnet 802 into non-slip member 112 is shownin FIG. 8C. This figure illustrates that the rare-earth magnet ispreferably inserted into the indentation 192 on the interior surface ofnon-slip member 112. An optional cover piece 804 preferably made of thesame material as non-slip member 112 can be placed on theinterior-facing side of the rare-earth magnet 802 to provide a bufferbetween the magnet and the handheld electronic device within protectionsystem 100.

FIGS. 9A-C illustrate one embodiment of the different components ofmounting member 108. As shown in FIG. 9A, interlocking member 902 has aplurality of engaging members 912 located preferably at 90 degreeintervals around the circumference of the interlocking member 902. Thissurface of interlocking member 902 may also display a logo or otherinformation.

The connecting surface of interlocking member 902 is shown in FIG. 9B.Interlocking member 902 is attached to at least one mounting base 904,shown in FIG. 9C, preferably via a screw 906 (FIG. 6) received within aboss 920 of the interlocking member 902. However, other means ofattachment may be used to connect the interlocking member 902 to atleast one mounting base 904. Preferably, the interlocking member 902 andthe mounting base 904 include complementary interference features thatlocate the interlocking member 902 and mounting base 904 relative to oneanother in a rotational direction and inhibit or prevent the relativerotation of the interlocking member 902 and the mounting base 904. Inthe illustrated arrangement, the interference features include aprojection 922 and a recess 924, which are generally rectangular inshape but could be other suitable shapes, as well. The projection 922 ispositioned on the interlocking member 902 and the recess 924 is locatedon the mounting base 904; however, these positions could be reversed.The projection 922 and recess 924 locate the interlocking member 902such that the engaging members or tabs 912 are located in a desirableposition relative to corresponding projections or feet 926 on thesurface of the mounting base 904 that faces the interlocking member 902.The feet 926 are circumferentially offset from the tabs 912 and contactthe tabs 162 of the upper shell piece 102 to provide a stop surface tothe rotation of the upper shell piece 102 at a properly aligned positionrelative to the mounting member 108 when assembled thereto. Theillustrated arrangement includes the same number of feet 926 as tabs912; however, a lesser number of feet 926 could also be used. Thecircumferential dimension of the feet 926 can be configured such thatthe feet 926 contact an edge of the access opening 166 to provide someamount of resistance to rotation of the upper shell piece 102 in adirecting tending to remove the upper shell piece 102 from the mountingmember 108 thereby inhibiting unintentional disconnection of the uppershell piece 102 from the mounting member 108. If desired, active lockscould also be provided to prevent unintentional disconnection of theupper shell piece 102 from the mounting member 108.

FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of an assembled mounting member 108preferably comprised of two mounting bases 904 and an interlockingmember 902. In other embodiments, mounting member 108 may be furthercomprised of additional mounting bases 904 or a spacer, not shown,between the mounting bases.

The side of interlocking member 902 shown in FIGS. 9A and 10 is insertedinto the attachment region 106 formed by interlocking surfaces 116 and126 by aligning the tabs or engaging members 912 of interlocking member902 with the access openings 166 in the attachment region 106, as seenin FIG. 2. Preferably rotating or twisting mounting member 108 in aclockwise direction results in the tabs or engaging members 912 ofinterlocking member 902 rotating behind or inside of interlockingsurface 126 until further rotational movement is stopped by interactionwith interlocking surface 116. This rotational movement of interlockingmember 902 results in the rigid yet removable attachment of mountingmember 108 to protection system 100. Similarly, rotation or twisting ofinterlocking member 902 in the opposite direction allows for removal ofmounting member 108.

Attachment or detachment of protection system 100 from the mountingmember 108 occurs either through rotation of mounting member 108(resulting in rotation of interlocking member 902) or through rotationof the handheld electronic device within the protection system 100, aswhen the mounting member 108 is securely attached to another surface.

With reference to FIG. 11, one accessory that may be used withprotection system 100 includes a bike mount 1100. The illustrated bikemount 1100 may be mounted on or as a replacement of the top cap of abicycle steering stem arrangement, preferably using screw 1120. Inparticular, the bike mount piece 1110 preferably replaces the top cap ofa standard bicycle steering headset system and rests on the uppersurface of the front fork steerer tube or steering stem spacer. As isknown, the top cap is utilized to adjust a preload of the bearings inthe bicycle steering headset system. Once the steering stem is clampedto the steerer tube, the top cap is no longer providing any function.The present bike mount 1100 can replace the standard top cap.Preferably, the mount piece 1110 is adjustable (e.g., rotatable) withrespect to the bike mount attachment piece 1130. In particular, in theillustrated arrangement, the bike mount attachment piece 1130 includesan arm portion that extends from the mount piece 1110. The arm portionis rotatably coupled to the mount piece 1110 by a pivot assembly. Thebike mount attachment piece 1130 may attach to the upper shell piece 102using the interlocking mounting arrangement discussed above.

Mounting System and Elongated Mount

A preferred embodiment comprises a mounting assembly for an electronicdevice or an accessory for an electronic device. FIG. 12A illustrates arear perspective view of an exploded mounting assembly for an accessoryor handheld electronic device. The assembly 6100 is configured with alocking portion 102 and a mounting member or mounting portion 108similar to the locking portion 102 and mounting portion 108 shown inFIGS. 1-3. The locking member 102 may be integrated into the body of thehandheld electronic device or accessory as shown in FIG. 12A, or it mayadhere to the body of the handheld electronic device or accessory withadhesive or other attachment means, such as a case or housing thatpartially or completely encloses the device or accessory.

The mounting assembly preferably includes a locking member 102 definingan attachment region 106, as shown in FIGS. 12A and B for attachingmounting member 108. The attachment region 106 contains an engagementstructure that allows the electronic device to be releasably attachedthe mounting member 108. A preferred engagement structure is describedwith respect to FIGS. 9A-C and 10 as discussed above. As shown in FIG.12 and FIGS. 9A-C, mounting member 108 may be comprised of aninterlocking member 902 and at least one mounting base 904.

As more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 12B and D, the illustratedattachment region 106 defines an opening 160 in the mounting assembly.As described above with respect to FIG. 2, attachment region 106 isconfigured to allow attachment of mounting member 108 through aninterlocking attachment that selectively secures the electronic deviceor accessory 216 to the mounting member 108 and inhibits or preventsremoval in at least one direction. In some embodiments, a firstcentering magnet (not shown) may be included within the attachmentregion 106. A second centering magnet (not shown) may be included withinthe mounting member 108. Magnetic attraction between the first andsecond centering magnets may help align the mounting member 108 and theattachment region 106 to improve successful attachment of the electronicdevice or accessory for an electronic device to the mounting member 108.

One embodiment of the mounting surface of an electronic device oraccessory is pictured in FIG. 12B. The attachment region 106 as viewedfrom the rear of the electronic device or accessory is preferablydisposed above or outwardly of the plane defined by at least a portionof the exterior rear surface 6110 of the electronic device or accessory216, as shown most clearly in FIG. 12C, which can be a peripheralportion. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment region 106 has anopening 160 defined by a plurality of equally spaced radial lobes ortabs 162 designed to correspond with the tabs 912 of an interlockingmember 902, more clearly viewed in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Mounting member 108attaches to the exterior rear surface 6110 side of the electronic deviceor accessory preferably via an interlocking attachment. Once inserted,the tabs 912 of the interlocking member 902 may then rotate untilfurther rotation is prevented by the interlocking surface 116, as seenin FIG. 13. After rotation, the tabs of interlocking member 902 willpreferably be located adjacent to the interior side of interlockingsurface 126 and against the edge of interlocking surface 116, forming aninterlocking connection which preferably attaches mounting member 108 tothe locking member 102 of mounting system 6100.

Attachment or detachment of the electronic device or accessory 216 fromthe mounting member 108 occurs either through rotation of mountingmember 108 (resulting in rotation of interlocking member 902) or throughrotation of the handheld electronic device or accessory, as when themounting member 108 is securely attached to another surface.

With reference to FIGS. 13A-C, one mounting accessory that may be usedwith any of the mounting or protective systems disclosed herein includesan elongated mounting member 600. The elongated mounting member 600 maybe mounted to a tripod or other device to support an electronic device(e.g., GPS device, phone, media player and tablet computer) or accessory(e.g., speakers, microphones, cameras, lights, sensors).

As discussed above with respect to the mounting member 108, elongatedmounting member 600 has an interlocking member 602. Interlocking member602 has a plurality of engaging members 612 located preferably at 90degree intervals around the circumference of the interlocking member602. This surface of interlocking member 602 may also display a logo orother information. Elongated mounting member 600 also has an arm portion640. The arm portion 640 extends from the interlocking member 602 andprovides an additional surface which may be gripped by a user orattached to a tripod or stand, such as via an engagement structure(e.g., a threaded cavity 642). In one arrangement, the arm portion 640of the elongated mounting member 600 has a length that is at least aboutone-half the length in at least one direction of the electronic deviceor accessory for which it is intended for use. Accordingly, in at leastone embodiment, a free or distal end of the arm portion 640 extendsbeyond an edge of the device or accessory when the interlocking member602 is engaged with a corresponding lock member or arrangement (notshown) located at or near a center of the device or accessory to permitthe free end to be coupled to another device, such as a tripod or stand,for example. In some arrangements, the free end of the arm portion 640extends beyond an edge of the device or accessory in at least twodirections (e.g., portrait and landscape). In other arrangements, thearm portion 640 can be spaced away from an adjacent surface of thedevice or accessory a sufficient distance such that the arm portion 640need not extend beyond an edge of the device or accessory to accommodatea tripod, stand or other device. The elongated mounting member 600 mayalso be used in place of the mounting member or portion 108 with themounting assembly for an electronic device or an accessory for anelectronic device, as shown in FIGS. 12A-C and as described above.

Case, Mount System and Kickstand

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a shell forrigidly securing and protecting a handheld electronic device. In apreferred embodiment, the shell may be in multiple pieces for ease ofassembly around a handheld electronic device. The upper piece of theshell preferably provides an attachment region for a removable mountingmember that can attach to various solid surfaces, such as but notlimited to a desk, vehicle dashboard, mirror, etc. The shell preferablyalso incorporates an anti-slip insert in which a magnet is disposed,allowing for magnetic adherence to surfaces without interfering with theanti-slip benefit provided by the anti-slip insert. The shell preferablyis formed using a material that is generally rigid and lightweight, suchas but not limited to an injection molded polycarbonate or othersuitable plastic material(s). Preferably, the shell comprises rigidsidewalls that surround an entirety or portions of the peripheral edgesof the device. The sidewalls preferably are arranged to protect thedevice by absorbing incidental shock forces and/or inhibiting orpreventing direct contact between the device and another object. Thesidewalls also desirably contain various openings to allow access to thecontrol buttons, inputs, and outputs of the handheld electronic device.The rear surface of the shell is preferably further designed withvarious openings to allow additional access to features of the handheldelectronic device that may be located on the rear of the device (such asa camera) or to reduce the weight of the shell. A rubber bumper mayenclose the sides of the shell to provide additional protection in casethe handheld electronic device is dropped. The rubber bumper may alsoprovide a more secure gripping surface for the electronic device. Therubber bumper preferably allows access to the various input and outputports of the device.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a protectivecase for an electronic device, as shown in FIG. 14A. The protectionsystem 7100 is configured with a locking member. The locking member maybe part of an attachment region 106 on the rear of the protection system7100. The locking member may be integrated into the rear of theprotection system 7100. Protection system 7100 includes a body or shellthat, in the illustrated arrangement, is comprised of an upper shellpiece 7112 and lower shell piece 7104. Lower shell piece 7104 isdesigned, in one embodiment, to fit together with upper shell piece 7112preferably using an interlocking or tab/slot attachment, such as tabs796. However, in other arrangements, the upper shell piece 7112 andlower shell piece 7104 could be secured together with other arrangements(e.g., mechanical fasteners, such as screws) or could be portions of aunitary or single-piece shell in which installation of the electronicdevice is accomplished through another method, such as by deformation ofthe side walls or other portions of the shell to pass over theelectronic device. Thus, references to the upper shell piece 7112 orlower shell piece 7104 herein are also intended to refer to the entireshell of an integrated or unitary shell arrangement.

Upper shell piece 7112 preferably includes an attachment region 7106,similar to the attachment region 106 shown in FIGS. 1-3, for attaching amounting member. The attachment region 106 contains an engagementstructure that allows the upper shell piece 7112 and, thus, theprotection system 7100 to be releasably attached to the mounting member.A preferred engagement structure is described in greater detail abovewith reference to FIGS. 9A-C and 10.

Upper shell piece 7112 also preferably includes at least one non-slipregion, which includes a non-slip arrangement that enhances frictionalengagement of protection system 7100 with a surface on which theprotection system 7100 may be placed. In the illustrated arrangement,the 6 non-slip regions incorporate an opening or cavity in theprotection system 7100 (e.g., the upper shell piece 7112) into whichnon-slip members 712 may be inserted. As shown, the non-slip members 712are formed in a hexagonal shape, however, the non-slip members may beformed in any shape. The non-slip members 712 may also preferablycomprise a rare earth magnet in order to removably attach the handheldelectronic device contained within protection system 7100 to a magneticsurface. The magnets may be linked together in sets of two or three inorder to fit the pattern of the non-slip members 712 arranged on therear surface of the protection system 7100. For example, in theembodiments shown in FIGS. 14A-B, three rare earth magnets may be linkedby a semi-rigid plastic or other means in a linked configuration such asthat outlined on the rear surface of the protection system 7100 andshown in FIGS. 18A-B. In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS.15A and B, the rare earth magnets may be linked as a pair with a rigidor semi-rigid plastic or other means connecting the magnets such thatthey fit within the non-slip regions 712 shown on the rear surface ofthe protection system 7100, as shown in FIGS. 19A-B. As shown in FIGS.18A and B, the magnets 802 may be embedded within a semi-rigidelastomeric or rubber connection member 1210. The connection member 1410may cover one side of the magnets 802 such that a single magnet surfaceis exposed, as shown in FIG. 18A. The connection member 1210 maintainsthe spacing between the magnets 802 to provide easier installation ofthe magnets within the non-slip members 712 on the rear surface of theprotection system.

FIG. 15A illustrates an exploded assembly view of another embodiment ofa protection system 7100. A rubber bumper 1110 may enclose the edges ofthe upper shell 7112 and lower shell 7104 pieces that form the rigidshell case. The rigid shell case can be used with or without the rubberbumper 1110. In some embodiments, the rubber bumper 1110 covers certainopening(s) in the shell 7112, 7104 (e.g., access openings for buttons)and includes opening(s) that align with other opening(s) of the shell7112, 7104 (e.g., access openings for power, audio or accessory ports).As shown, there may be a different number of non-slip members 712 or thenon-slip members may be in a different configuration. As shown in FIGS.19A and B, the magnets 802 may be embedded within a semi-rigidelastomeric or rubber connection member 1410. FIG. 19B shows theunderside of the magnetic connection member 1410. FIG. 19A shows theopposite side of the magnetic connection member 1410 shown in FIG. 19B.The connection member 1410 may cover one side of the magnets 802 suchthat a single magnet surface is exposed. The connection member 1410maintains the spacing between the magnets 802 to provide easierinstallation of the magnets within the non-slip members 712 on the rearsurface of the protection system 7100.

FIG. 15B illustrates a side view of the protection system 7100 with therubber bumper 1110 enclosing the sides of the rigid case. The rubberbumper 1110 may have indentations to provide a gripping surface. Thenon-slip members 712 may extend outside the plane defined by theexterior rear surface 7110 of the protection system 7100 such that thenon-slip members 712 are the first surface to encounter a supportsurface such as a desk or table when the electronic device is placed onthe support surface with the rear surface facing the desk or table. Thelocking member within the attachment region 7106 may also extend outsidethe plane defined by the exterior rear surface 7110 of the protectionsystem 7100.

An interlocking member, such as the interlocking member 902 shown inFIGS. 9A-C, may be inserted into the attachment region 7106 as discussedabove with respect to the attachment region 106 shown in FIGS. 2 and9A-C.

Attachment or detachment of the protection system 7100 from the mountingmember 108 occurs either through rotation of mounting member 108(resulting in rotation of interlocking member 902) or through rotationof the handheld electronic device, as when the mounting member 108 issecurely attached to another surface. To facilitate alignment of themounting member 108 and the locking member 7102, a magnetic alignmentarrangement can be provided that urges the mounting member 108 and thelocking member 7102 into substantial alignment once the two portions arebrought within the general vicinity of one another. Such an arrangementis advantageous when the electronic device (and, thus, the shell 7112,7104) is relatively large in length and or height dimensions relative tothe size of the mounting member 108, which can inhibit visual alignmentof the mounting member 108 and the locking member 7102. In onearrangement, the locking member 7102 incorporates a magnet ormagnetically attractive member 201 (e.g., FIG. 15A) and the mountingmember 108 incorporates a complementary magnet or magneticallyattractive member 202 (FIG. 10) preferably enclosed within therespective structures. With such an arrangement, when the locking member7102 of the electronic device/shell is positioned near the mountingmember 108, the magnet or magnetically attractive member 201, 202 urgethe locking member 102 and mounting member 108 into alignment such thatthe components can be interlocked via relative rotational movement, asdescribed above.

With reference to FIGS. 16A-G, one mounting accessory that may be usedwith the protection system 7100 includes an elongated support or displaymember 600, which can be referred to as a kickstand. The elongatedsupport member 600 may be used to support the electronic device in aportrait or landscape mode on a table or other surface.

As discussed above with respect to the mounting member 108, elongatedsupport member 600 has a similar interlocking member. The elongatedsupport member 600 may engage with the attachment region 7106 of theprotection system 7100 such that the electronic device is supported ineither a portrait position or a landscape position. The elongatedsupport member 600 is shown engaging with a protection system for ahandheld electronic device such as a tablet computer. However, theelongated support member 600 may be used with protection systems for avariety of other electronic devices, such as large and small tabletcomputers or mobile phones.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and B, the elongated support member 600 may becomprised of several hinged members. FIG. 17A illustrates the outwardfacing or non-interlocking side of the elongated support member 600.FIG. 17B illustrates the inward facing or interlocking side of theelongated support member 600. A first engaging member 605 has aninterlocking member that engages with the attachment region 7106described above with reference to attachment region 106 shown in FIG. 2.Attached to the first engaging member 605 may be a second hinged member610. A third hinged member 615 may be attached to the second hingedmember 610 to provide additional length and flexibility to the elongateddisplay member.

The second hinged member 610 may be secured to the first engaging member605 with two hinged connections on either side of the first engagingmember 605 that allow the second hinged member 610 to rotate withrespect to the first engaging member 605. The first engaging member 605may be manufactured such that the second hinged member 610 can rotateonly to one side of the first engaging member 605 without allowing 360degree rotation of the second hinged member 610 about the first engagingmember 605. Similarly, the third hinged member 615 may be secured to thesecond hinged member 610 with two hinged connections that allow thethird hinged member 615 to rotate with respect to the second hingedmember 610. Preferably, the second hinged member 610 is securable in atleast two positions relative to the first engaging member 605 and thethird hinged member 615 is securable in at least two positions relativeto the second hinged member 610. Manipulation of the various hingedcomponents results in several display configurations, shown in FIGS.16B-G.

FIG. 16A illustrates the elongated support member 600 in a stowedposition. In the stowed position, the elongated support member 600 mayfold flat against the rear surface of the protection system 7100. In theillustrated embodiment, the elongated support member 600 is shownengaged with the protection system 7100 in a portrait display mode.However, in other embodiments, the elongated support member 600 may berotated 90 degrees in either direction to engage and lock with theprotection system 7100 in a landscape display mode.

FIGS. 16B and C illustrate an electronic device encased withinprotection system 7100 with the elongated support member 600 used tosupport the electronic device in a first, “browse” or back, position.The electronic device may be displayed in either portrait mode orlandscape mode, depending on how the elongated support member 600 isinterlocked within the attachment region on the rear surface of theprotection system 7100. FIGS. 16B and C illustrate that elongatedsupport member 600 is positioned by manipulating the hinged pieces asdiscussed above.

FIGS. 16D and E illustrate an electronic device encased withinprotection system 7100. The elongated support member 600 is used tosupport the electronic device in a second, “view” or middle, position.The electronic device may be displayed in either portrait mode orlandscape mode, depending on how the elongated support member 600 isinterlocked within the attachment region on the rear surface of theprotection system 7100. As discussed above, FIGS. 16D and E illustratethat elongated support member 600 may be positioned in a variety ofpositions by manipulating the hinged pieces as discussed above.

FIGS. 16F and G illustrate an electronic device displayed in a typingposition. The elongated support member 600 is used to support theprotection system 7100 in a reclined or “typing” position for ease oftyping on a keyboard displayed on a touchscreen of the electronicdevice. The electronic device may be displayed in either portrait modeor landscape mode, depending on how the elongated support member 600 isinterlocked within the attachment region on the rear surface of theprotection system 7100. As discussed above, FIGS. 16F and G illustratethat elongated support member 600 may be positioned in a variety ofpositions by manipulating the hinged pieces or sections as discussedabove.

Mount System and Case with Removable Bumper

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a shell forrigidly securing and protecting a handheld electronic device. In apreferred embodiment, the shell may be in multiple pieces for ease ofassembly around a handheld electronic device. The upper piece of theshell preferably provides an attachment region for a removable mountingmember that can attach to various solid surfaces, such as but notlimited to a desk, vehicle dashboard, mirror, etc. The shell preferablyalso incorporates an anti-slip insert in which a magnet is disposed,allowing for magnetic adherence to surfaces without interfering with theanti-slip benefit provided by the anti-slip insert. The shell preferablyis formed using a material that is generally rigid and lightweight, suchas but not limited to an injection molded polycarbonate or othersuitable plastic material(s). Preferably, the shell comprises rigidsidewalls that surround an entirety or portions of the peripheral edgesof the device. The sidewalls preferably are arranged to protect thedevice by absorbing incidental shock forces and/or inhibiting orpreventing direct contact between the device and another object. Thesidewalls also desirably contain various openings to allow access to thecontrol buttons, inputs, and outputs of the handheld electronic device.The rear surface of the shell is preferably further designed withvarious openings to allow additional access to features of the handheldelectronic device that may be located on the rear of the device (such asa camera) or to reduce the weight of the shell. A rubber bumper mayenclose the sides of the shell to provide additional protection in casethe handheld electronic device is dropped. The rubber bumper may alsoprovide a more secure gripping surface for the electronic device. Therubber bumper preferably allows access to the various controls and/orinput and output ports of the device. The rubber bumper preferably ismade of a relatively soft and/or stretchable material, such as rubber ora rubber-like material. The rubber bumper preferably is softer than thematerial used for the shell, which can be a relatively rigid material.Thus, benefits of both a soft case and a rigid case can be providedwithout the drawbacks associated with a completely soft or rigid case.Thus use of the term “rubber” bumper is for convenience and is notlimited to rubber material (but covers rubber, rubber-like and othersuitable soft materials) unless otherwise indicated.

The rear surface of a preferred embodiment of a protection system 400for a small handheld device, such as a mobile phone, is shown in FIGS.20A-C. This embodiment illustrates a rigid shell member 1102 that may bemade of one or more pieces to provide ease of installation on anelectronic device. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20A and B, the rigidshell member 1102 is includes an upper shell piece 1202 and a lowershell piece 1203. The upper shell piece 1202 and the lower shell piece1203 may be joined together by a single tab 1204 as shown, or bymultiple tabs. The lower shell piece 1203 may include guide tabs (notshown) that align the lower shell piece 1203 with the upper shell piece1202 and provide an support surface to maintain the rigidity of theattached upper and lower shell pieces. The shell member desirablyincorporates numerous openings in the rear surface to provide access tothe various input and outputs of the electronic device, as is describedin greater detail below. As has been described in greater detail above,the protection system 400 includes a non-slip member 22 made of anon-slip material in order to provide a gripping surface to prevent ahandheld electronic device from slipping on a solid surface. Thenon-slip member 22, similar to the non-slip member 112 discussed abovewith respect to FIG. 8, preferably also contains a magnetic member, suchas a rare earth magnet, as further discussed above. The magnet ispositioned near or embedded within the non-slip member 22 in order toprovide a means of attached protection system 400 to a magnetic surfacewithout impacting the non-slip benefits provided by non-slip member 22or scratching the surface upon which the electronic device is placed.The protection system 400 also includes an attachment region 8106 forattaching a mounting member as is described in greater detail withrespect to attachment region 106 shown in FIGS. 1-3.

Similarly to the protection system 300 described above with respect toFIG. 15A, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20A and B also includes anelastomer or rubber bumper 1120 that may be used in addition to therigid shell member 1102. As shown, the rigid shell member 1102 providesaccess along the peripheral edges of the electronic device to thevarious controls or buttons located along the peripheral edge. Therubber bumper 1120 surrounds the peripheral edges of the rigid shellmember 1102 and fits securely over the rigid shell member 1102 toprovide an additional level of protection that is also easily removableas the rubber bumper can stretch and flex. In one embodiment, the rubberbumper 1102 also includes a lip 1122 that extends around the peripheryof the front surface of the electronic device. The lip 1122 may extendslightly over the front display surface of the electronic device suchthat the rubber bumper 1120 will not easily slide off. However, the lip1122 desirably does not significantly cover the front display area ofthe electronic device.

FIGS. 20C and D illustrate the protection system 400 with the rubberbumper 1120 installed over the rigid shell member 1102. As was discussedabove with respect the embodiment of the protection system 300 shown inFIGS. 15A and B, the rubber bumper 1120 may have a pattern imprinted orotherwise formed on some or all of the peripheral edges to provide ameans for gripping or holding the electronic device. While some of thebuttons, such as volume controls or power controls, may be covered bythe rubber bumper 1120 as indicated by the references 5, 7, and 9, therubber bumper 1120 may include raised areas along the peripheral edgesto provide a means for interacting with the underlying buttons orcontrols. The under or interior side of the rubber bumper 1120preferably includes interaction members that extend towards theperipheral edge of the electronic device from the interior peripheraledge of the rubber bumper 1120 such that the buttons or other controlsmay be pushed from the outside of the rubber bumper 1120.

The assembled upper shell piece 1102 and lower shell piece 1204 of theprotection system 400 together define an interior region or space inwhich a handheld electronic device may be enclosed as discussed abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-4. Additionally, the protection system 400 ispreferably compatible with any of the mounting, support, or displaymembers discussed herein.

Additional Mounts

Preferably, the mounts disclosed herein are configured for use with themounting arrangements (e.g., attachment region 106) disclosed above. Inthose arrangements, the attachment region 106 is provided by a separatecase that is configured to receive an electronic device, such as a smartphone. However, in other arrangements, an electronic device (e.g., smartphone, GPS device, cycle computer, camera or other data acquisitionunit) can include a suitable attachment region provided in an integratedhousing of the device. Thus, a description of either one herein alsoincludes the other, unless indicated otherwise.

FIGS. 21A-D illustrate a universal mount 2100 that can permit anassociated electronic device to be secured to a variety of objects, suchas a vehicle handlebar or other rod, tube or bar-like objects. The mount2100 generally comprises a mount portion 2102 and a strap portion 2104.The mount portion 2102 preferably is constructed from a relatively rigidmaterial (more rigid than the strap portion 2104), such as a hardplastic material, and is configured in a manner substantially similar tothe mounting member 108 discussed above. However, preferably, theillustrated mount portion 2102 includes a lock arrangement 2110 thatselectively secures the associated electronic device to the mount 2100.

In particular, the lock arrangement 2110 includes a lock arm or lock tab2112 that extends away from the main body portion of the mount portion2102. Preferably, the lock tab 2112 is flexible generally in a directionperpendicular to a primary plane of the mount portion 2102 and carriesone of the projections 926 as discussed above. The lock tab 2112 isnormally biased into an engagement position in which the projection 926engages the attachment region 2106 of an associated case shell. The locktab 2112 can be moved (e.g., downwardly) to disengage the projection 926and permit removal of the associated case from the mount 2100.

The lock tab 2112 can be supported relative to the main body of themount portion 2102 and/or biased by any suitable arrangement. Forexample, in some configurations, the lock tab 2112 can be unitarilyformed (i.e., a single piece) with a portion or all of the main body andthe biasing force can be provided by the resilient nature of thematerial. However, in the illustrated arrangement, the lock tab 2112 isan elongate arm that is pivotally attached to the main body of the mountportion 2102. Preferably, the lock tab 2112 comprises a pair of pinportions one each side of the tab 2112 that engage respective openingsdefined by a generally channel-shaped base 2114 of the mount portion2102. In other arrangements, a separate rod or pin member can pivotallyattach the lock tab 2112 to the main body of the mount portion 2102.Preferably, a biasing member, such as a spring 2116, biases the lock tab2112 into the engaged position.

The strap portion 2104 allows the mount 2100 to be attached to a varietyof objects. The strap portion 2104 includes two portions that can beselectively secured together, preferably in one of two or more availablepositions to provide adjustability to the mount 2100. In the illustratedarrangement, the strap portion 2104 includes four adjustment positions.In particular, a first section of the strap portion 2104 includes anopening or window 2120 that accommodates a second section of the strapportion 2104 and a portion of the first section surrounding the window2120 selectively engages one of the available adjustment or engagementspaces defined by the second section. In the illustrated arrangement,the adjustment spaces are arranged generally within a single plane ortangentially with respect to an axis about which the strap portion 104can be mounted. Thus, some of the adjustment spaces are radially closerto the axis than other adjustment spaces.

The mount portion 2102 can be coupled to the strap portion 2104 by anysuitable arrangement. With reference to FIG. 21D, the strap portion 2104can include an axially-extending recess, which defines a plurality ofcircumferential ribs 2122. At least some of the ribs 2122 can bepositioned on more than one (e.g., two or three) surfaces of the recess.Preferably, most of the ribs 2122 are positioned on three surfaces ofthe recess. The mount portion 2102 can be received within the recesswith the ribs 2122 of the strap portion 2104 engaging correspondingstructure (e.g., ribs) on the mount portion 2102. Thus, the coupling ofthe mount portion 2102 and the strap portion 2104 can be solely viaengagement of the corresponding ribs. Alternatively, or in addition,other suitable means for connection of the mount portion 2102 and thestrap portion 2104 can be provided.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a mount configured to be attached to atubular object, such as a motorcycle (illustrated) or bicycle fork leg.The mount can comprise a bike mount as shown and described withreference to bike mount 1100 shown in FIG. 11. The bike mount can besecured to a fork tube clamp 1150 that can be secured to the motorcycleor bicycle fork leg. The fork tube clamp 1150 can have a split-ringdesign, for example.

FIG. 24 illustrates another mount that can be secured to a tubularobject, such as a motorcycle or bicycle handlebar. This mount alsoincludes the bike mount 1100 as shown and described with reference toFIG. 11. In addition, the bike mount 1100 can be secured to a clamparrangement 1160 having two portions that can be used to clamp the bikemount 1100 to a tubular object. In the illustrated arrangement, the twoportions are pivotally connected and can be secured by a suitablefastening member, such as a bolt. Rubber shims 1170 can be provided foradditional friction and to adjust the clamp arrangement 1160 todifferent sized tubular objects.

Interchangeable Inserts for Protective System

Further embodiments of a modular or interchangeable protective case foran electronic device are shown in FIGS. 25-33. FIG. 25 illustrates aview of an interior rear surface of a protective system 500 for ahandheld electronic device (e.g., smart phone, GPS device, cyclecomputer, camera or other data acquisition unit). As discussed abovewith respect to FIG. 1, the protective system 500 comprises a shell forsecuring and protecting a handheld electronic device. In a preferredembodiment, the shell may be in a single piece for ease of assemblyaround a handheld electronic device. The shell also preferably providesa connection region for connecting an interchangeable insert. The shellpreferably is formed using a material that is generally flexible andlightweight, such as but not limited to rubber, silicone, or othersuitable material(s). Preferably, the shell comprises flexible sidewallsthat surround an entirety or portions of the peripheral edges of thedevice. The sidewalls preferably are arranged to protect the device byabsorbing incidental shock forces and/or inhibiting or preventing directcontact between the device and another object. The sidewalls alsodesirably contain various button portions or openings to allow access tothe control buttons, inputs, and outputs of the handheld electronicdevice.

In one embodiment, protective system 500 comprises a shell 508 havingsidewalls that surround an entirety or portions of the peripheral edgesof the device, similar to protective system 100 shown in FIG. 1. Theprotective system 500 also comprises a number of openings (such asopenings 510, 530 and 540) to allow additional access to features of thehandheld electronic device that may be located on the rear of the device(such as a camera) or to reduce the weight of the shell.

The protective system shown in FIG. 25 may also incorporate an exteriorshell piece, such as shell piece 600 shown in FIG. 26. The exteriorshell piece 600 comprises extending sidewalls 605 that wrap around theexterior surface of the sidewalls 508 of the protective system 500. Tabsor other mechanical fasteners can hold the exterior shell piece 600 tothe protective system 500. The exterior shell piece 600 is preferablymade of a rigid and lightweight material such as but not limited to aninjection molded polycarbonate or other suitable plastic material(s).When inserted onto the rear of the protective system 500, the exteriorshell 600 can provide a rigid protective surface for the electronicdevice. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 27, the openings 610, 620 withinthe exterior shell piece 600 align with corresponding openings 510, 520in the protective system 500 to provide access to features of theelectronic device, such as the camera or a battery.

In some embodiments, interchangeable inserts may be used with aprotective system for an electronic device to provide added function,such as providing an attachment region for a mount such as the mountsdescribed herein, a non-slip surface to prevent the electronic devicefrom slipping off a solid surface such as a desk or table, and/or anembedded magnet to attach the electronic device to a magnetic surface.FIG. 28A illustrates a rear view of one interchangeable insert 1500 thatincorporates an opening 1505 for an attachment region similar toattachment region 106 as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3.Additionally, the interchangeable insert 1500 may also comprise amagnetic member 201 that may be used to removably attach the electronicdevice to a magnetic surface.

A second interchangeable insert 1600 is shown in FIG. 28B. Preferably,the interchangeable insert 1600 is configured such that theinterchangeable insert 1500 shown in FIG. 28A can be pressed onto thesurface 1605 such that the exterior surface of the insert 1500 is flushwith or slightly below the surrounding sidewalls 1610 of the insert1600. The insert 1600 comprises an attachment region 106 similar toattachment region 106 as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3 forattaching a mount or mounting member. As discussed above, a mountingmember, such as mounting member 108 discussed above, may interact withthe attachment region to mount the electronic device to a variety ofsurfaces or in a variety of positions. Additionally, insert 1600 mayfurther comprise a non-slip member 1612 similar to the non-slip membersdiscussed above. When inserts 1500 and 1600 are assembled, the magnet ispositioned near or embedded within the non-slip member 1612 in order toprovide a means of attaching the protection system to a magnetic surfacewithout impacting the non-slip benefits provided by non-slip member 1612or scratching the surface upon which the electronic device is placed.FIG. 29 illustrates the interchangeable insert assembly 1900 of insert1500 and insert 1600.

Another embodiment of an interchangeable insert for a protective systemis shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. The insert may be formed from a first piece3100 that may comprise one or more non-slip members 3112. Additionally,the first piece 3100 may also comprise a magnetic member 201 that may beembedded within a non-slip member as discussed above with respect toFIG. 8A-C. As discussed above, the one or more non-slip members may bearranged such that a non-slip surface of the non-slip member extendsabove a rear surface of the protective system such that the non-slipsurface provides non-slip properties and benefits to the protectionsystem, such as preventing a handheld electronic device within theprotection system from sliding off a smooth surface such as a desk orcounter. A second piece 3200, shown in FIG. 30, is desirably configuredto receive the first piece 3100. Openings 3205 and 3201 are preferablyconfigured such that the non-slip members 3112 and magnetic member 201can fit within the openings 3205, 3201 and extend beyond a rear surfaceof the protective system as discussed in greater detail above. Anexploded view of the assembly of inserts 3100 and 3200 is shown in FIG.32. The insert assembly 3300 comprising interchangeable inserts 3100 and3200 may be used with a protective system for an electronic device, suchas protective system 500 shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 33 illustrates a protective system 500 that can accommodate eitherof the interchangeable insert assemblies 1900 and 3300 discussed above.Preferably, either of the insert assemblies 1900 and 3300 may beinserted into the opening 520 in the shell 508 such that at least apartial surface of the insert assembly extends beyond the rear surfaceof the shell 508. Preferably, each of the inserts 1900 and 3300 arelarger than the opening 520 such that the edge of the insert 1900, 3300is supported by the interior-facing surface 522 that surrounds theopening 520 to retain the insert 1900, 3300 in place. As illustrated,the insert assembly is fit with the shell 508 prior to installing theprotective system on an electronic device. The insert assemblies 1900and 3300 are easily interchangeable, depending on the user's preference.For example, if the user would like to mount the electronic device usingany of the mounts disclosed herein, the user may remove the protectivesystem 500 from the electronic device and easily fit the assembly 1900to the shell 508. If the user prefers a solid rear surface comprisingone or more non-slip members, the user can easily remove the protectivesystem 500 from the electronic device and switch out or install theinterchangeable insert assembly 3300 with the shell 508. This system ofinterchangeable inserts provides greater flexibility and ease of use ofthe protective system. Additionally, in some embodiments, the inserts1900 and 3300 may be made of materials of different colors, allowing theuser to further personalize the protective system 500.

Although this application discloses certain preferred embodiments andexamples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that thepresent inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodimentsto other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention andobvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Further, the variousfeatures of these inventions can be used alone, or in combination withother features of these inventions other than as expressly describedabove. While the disclosed embodiments are primarily directed to aprotection system for a handheld electronic device, aspects of theinvention may be used in connection with other types of protectionsystems. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventionsherein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fairreading of the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting system for a handheld electronicdevice, comprising: a locking member defining an attachment regiondesigned to receive an interlocking member; the attachment regioncomprising a first open space, a first interlocking surface and a secondinterlocking surface, both of the first and second interlocking surfacessurrounding at least a portion of the first open space, the first andsecond interlocking surfaces being located behind the inner surface ofthe rear wall, the first interlocking surface being locatedsubstantially in a first plane and the second interlocking surfacehaving at least a portion that extends substantially perpendicular tothe first plane, and wherein the first interlocking surface iscircumferentially offset from at least a portion of the secondinterlocking surface to provide an interlocking area; the interlockingmember comprising an arm portion that extends from the interlockingsurfaces and a plate portion having at least one engagement member that,in use, is passed through the first open space and disposed within theinterlocking area to achieve an interlocked position between theinterlocking member and locking member; wherein the interlocking memberfurther comprises at least one mounting base.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the interlocked position is achieved by rotation of theinterlocking member within the attachment region.
 3. The system of claim1, wherein the arm portion permits the handheld electronic device to besecured to a tripod.
 4. A protection system for a handheld electronicdevice, comprising: a shell comprising a rear wall and a side wallextending from the rear wall, wherein, in use, the side wall encloses aplurality of peripheral edges of an associated handheld electronicdevice; wherein the rear wall further comprises an inner surface and anouter surface, the rear wall defining an attachment region designed toreceive an interlocking member and at least one non-slip region designedto receive at least one non-slip member; wherein the attachment regioncomprises a first open space and a plurality of interlocking surfaceportions, each of the interlocking surface portions including aretaining surface and a stop surface that cooperate to provide aninterlocking area; wherein the interlocking member comprises a pluralityof engaging members, each of the engaging members being configured tointeract with one of the plurality of interlocking surface portions suchthat, in an interlocked position, each of the plurality of engagingmembers is disposed within one of the plurality of interlocking areas;wherein the at least one non-slip region comprises a second open spaceand a recessed surface formed by the disposition of a smaller openingwithin a larger opening; wherein the non-slip region comprises at leastone non-slip material shaped to fit within the second open space, thenon-slip member having a peripheral groove that, in use, engages therecessed surface to attach the non-slip member to the shell, wherein thenon-slip member comprises a frictional gripping outer surface thatenhances frictional engagement of the system with a surface on which thesystem is placed; wherein the non-slip member further comprises anindentation within an interior surface that, in use, faces theassociated handheld electronic device; and a magnet received within theindentation of the non-slip member.
 5. The system of claim 4, whereinthe shell further comprises at least one access opening that allowsaccess to control features of the handheld electronic device.
 6. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the non-slip member is disposed outwardly ofthe outermost portion of the outer surface of the rear wall of theshell.
 7. The system of claim 4 further comprising a rubber bumpermember configured to surround the plurality of peripheral edges of theelectronic device.
 8. The system of claim 4, wherein the interlockedposition is achieved by rotation of the interlocking member within theattachment region.
 9. The system of claim 4, wherein the interlockingmember further comprises an elongated arm portion that extends from theinterlocking surfaces.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the elongatedarm portion permits the handheld electronic device to be displayed inboth portrait and landscape positions and at different angles ofinclination.
 11. The system of claim 4, wherein the rear wall furthercomprises two or more non-slip regions designed to each receive anon-slip member and a magnet received within an indentation of eachnon-slip member.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein two or more magnetsare received within a magnet connection member such that the magnets arereceived within the indentations of proximal non-slip members.
 13. Thesystem of claim 4 further comprising an elongated, hinged arm thatextends from the shell, wherein the elongated arm portion permits thehandheld electronic device to be displayed in both portrait andlandscape orientations and, in each orientation, in at least twodifferent angles of inclination via manipulation of portions of thehinged arm into different relative positions.
 14. The system of claim13, wherein the hinged arm permits display of the electronic device inthree different angles of inclination in both the portrait and landscapeorientations.
 15. A mounting system for a handheld electronic device,comprising: a mounting member defining a lock arrangement; and a strapportion; wherein the lock arrangement comprises a lock arm that extendsaway from a main portion of the mounting member, the lock arm comprisinga projection that engages an attachment region of a case shell of anelectronic device; wherein the strap portion comprises a first sectioncomprising an opening to accommodate a second section of the strapportion such that the strap portion is adjustable in circumference. 16.The system of claim 15, wherein the interlocked position is achieved byrotation of the interlocking member within the attachment region. 17.The system of claim 15, wherein the interlocking member furthercomprises an arm portion that extends from the interlocking surfaces.18. The system of claim 17, wherein the arm portion permits the handheldelectronic device to be secured to a tripod.